Vanderbilt University’s Alumni Association Board recently met its goal of endowing a fund supporting undergraduate students nearly two years ahead of schedule. In 2019, the Alumni Association Board, then led by Vanderbilt trustee Dan Lovinger, BA’87, voted unanimously to establish the endowed Vanderbilt Alumni Association Board Fund to support the undergraduate student experience.
Alumni Association Board members made gifts and pledges exceeding the initial goal of securing $100,000 in philanthropic support, allowing the fund to begin distributing awards to students this summer. Nearly every current Alumni Association Board member contributed to the fund, as did several former presidents and members.
“I am proud of my fellow board members, past and present, who enthusiastically stepped up to support Vanderbilt students and help us reach our goal so quickly,” said Alumni Association Board President Tim Warnock, BA’84. “Given the challenges our students have faced in this unprecedented year, the timing for this fund to begin providing support could not be better.”
The board will meet this spring to determine how the initial award will be disbursed and will decide annually how funds will be allocated to impact the student experience—through Opportunity Vanderbilt, Experience Vanderbilt, Commodore Closet or another area of need on campus.
“We are grateful for the incredible generosity and dedication of our Alumni Association Board,” said Barney Ellis-Perry, associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement and annual giving. “They continue to demonstrate their unwavering support for students and their commitment through this fund, which will enrich many lives for years to come.”